The Problem: Online Abuse and Journalists

Social media and online engagement have become critical to journalists and writers. However, a report on journalists’ safety conducted in 2015 by the International News Safety Institute found that all news organizations and journalists have become larger targets of violence over the past 10 years as their content is routinely re-tweeted or shared on social media.

Online abuse has short- and long-term effects on freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Online abuse may result in emotional and physical stress, erosion of individual and brand credibility, financial and other repercussions. Technological attacks by bots, smart mobs and other online operatives may require legal and technological assistance.